Certain micronutrients contained in olive oil and other foods could be responsible for the Mediterranean diet's well known heart-healthy effects, Spanish researchers report.
These compounds, known as phenols, have been shown in laboratory studies to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood clot preventing powers, Dr. Francisco Perez Jimenez of the Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia in Cordoba and colleagues write. Their study is the first to show a benefit for phenol-rich olive oils on blood vessel function.
Olive oil ingredient may improve circulation
